REGARDING Betty Newsham's remarks about understanding about hearing loss, we agree with her - hard of hearing people are often thought to be lacking in manners and slow-witted.

This is especially so for those who also suffer from tinnitus and have to concentrate even more to understand others..

Lip-reading classes can be a great help and also provide a good evening out with people who suffer the same disability.

These are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at The Audley Centre, Bent Street, Blackburn at 7.30pm by the Blackburn Fellowship for the Hard of Hearing.

Anyone interested would be made welcome and would realise that they are not alone with their problems, but can share them with others who can understand and help.

JOHN AND EILEEN SPEAKMAN (Welfare Visitors for Blackburn Fellowship for the Hard of Hearing), Northfield Road, Blackburn.

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